Overview

The provisioning of accommodations is a key service provided by the Disability Support Services (DSS) Office at post secondary institutions. Those accommodations range from adjusted time to time intensive accommodations like Alternative Media. Assuring that students with print related disabilities have equal access to the information they're presented with in class is often time consuming and complicated.

This presentation will explore the processes and options for providing alternative media accommodations to students. It will provide a foundational understanding of books in alternate format, the support services that will make the accommodation more effective and ways lower cost and the challenges of providing the accommodation.

DSS Staff Resources

AMAC Alternative Media Production

The Alternative Media Access Center (AMAC) is committed to removing barriers for individuals with disabilities by improving the human condition through technology in academic and workplace environments.

AccessText Network provides post secondary institutions an easier way to request publisher files on behalf of their students.

STEPP is an eTextbook rental program offering cost-effective textbooks that "all" students can read.

Learning Ally

Learning Ally’s collection of more than 65,000 digitally recorded textbooks and literature titles – downloadable and accessible on mainstream as well as specialized assistive technology devices – is the largest of its kind in the world. More than 6,000 volunteers across the U.S. help to record and process the educational materials, which students rely on to achieve academic and professional success.

BookShare.org

Bookshare®'s goal is to raise the floor of access so that people with print disabilities can obtain a broad spectrum of print materials at the same time as everyone else.

CATEA; Center for Assistive Technology and Environmental Access

CATEA is a multidisciplinary engineering and design research center dedicated to enhancing the health, activity and participation of people with functional limitations through the application of assistive and universally designed technologies in real world environments, products and devices.
Faculty Resources: Making standard faculty educational documents adhere to Universal Design.

University of Washington: Do-It Center

The international DO-IT Center promotes the success of individuals with disabilities and the use of computer and networking technologies to increase their independence, productivity, and participation in education and careers.

Microsoft Enable Website

Presenter / Contact

Joe Tedesco, M.Ed., ATP

AMAC Learning and Development Manager

joe.tedesco@amac.gatech.edu

404-894-8000

Joe Tedesco, is responsible for the development and on-going delivery of AMAC services to its members. Joe earned his Masters of Education degree at Wayne State University in Detroit and was awarded a certificate in Assistive Technology from the University of Miami. He was among the first professionals in the state of Georgia to earn his certification as an Assistive Technology Practitioner (ATP).

Joe has presented at conferences nationally on topics related to the use of assistive technology, technology and literacy, implementing technology in schools, and computer reuse. He enjoys providing training and is recognized for his knowledgeable yet practical approach to technology and education.
Joe stays involved with local groups who work to bring assistive technology services into the lives of individuals with disabilities. His career has afforded him a variety of experiences leading to a rich understanding of the disability field and the effects of technology. His past experiences include Early Intervention (DHR), Even Start (Coordinator, DOE), Tech-Able (Director, Assistive Technology Resource Center), as well as private sector experience in the area of direct delivery of services, and Marcus Institute and Lekotek.

He has been recognized two years in a row by the Department of Labor's Tools for Life Program for his ability to foster collaboration among agencies and organizations in Georgia. Joe proudly serves as Vice Chair of the Georgia State Rehabilitation Council.